TWO local projects are celebrating a cash boost worth a total of almost £60,000.

Branchton Community Centre Association and Parklea Branching Out have received a total of £58, 875 from BBC Children in Need.

Branchton has been allocated £30,000 to continue to provide weekly clubs and holiday activities for children and young people while Parklea’s windfall of £28,875 is for a new project.

Branchton youngsters will get the chance to enjoy sports, games, crafts, music, IT, educational training and well-being courses.

Willie Wilson, manager at Branchton Community Centre Association, said: “The new funding from BBC Children in Need will enable us to continue to grow our youth clubs and trips, for children and young people aged three to 18 living in areas of deprivation in the south west area of Greenock.

“We will provide a safe and inspiring space for children to socialise.

“This will help local children and young people grow in confidence.”

Parklea Branching Out will use its money to run a skills development project which will give young people with additional support needs the chance to improve digital and life skills, build confidence, manage their wellbeing and make friends. 

The three year project, called Virtual Garden, will run in collaboration with Access Technology Scotland and be based in a community garden in Port Glasgow.

It will give young people the chance to create digital content and to take part in activities such as filming. 

The investments are part of the charity’s small grants programme and take the total pledged in Inverclyde to more than £125,400.

Florence Burke, BBC Children in Need’s national head, Scotland, said: “Thanks to the money raised in support of BBC Children in Need projects like Parklea Association Branching Out Ltd and Branchton Community Centre Association will go on to make a difference to children and young people experiencing disadvantage across Inverclyde.”